31 Days of Horror: Friday the 13th (1980)

31 Days of Horror continues with the original Friday the 13th. In American horror cinema there are characters that have become so iconic that most people can identify them easily. Either by their face or by their theme music, these characters are commonplace and well-known in the world of horror movies.

So it’s interesting to note that the series that made Jason Voorhees, the hockey masked killer, starts without him. Yep, he doesn’t make an appearance as the guy we all have come to love until the second film, Friday the 13th, Part II. Most of you know how this series began, so I’m not here to insult your intelligence. But for those who aren’t familiar…

Yes, Jason is in the first movie, but as a child. While staying at Camp Crystal Lake, Jason “accidentally” drowns thanks to the inattentiveness of the camp counselors. What were these plucky young teens doing? What else but partying, engaging in sexual dalliances, and other immoral acts (all perfect reasons for repercussions and death later on).

After his death, Jason’s mom, Mrs. Voorhees enters the scene and goes on a killing spree around the camp. As she hacks and slashes her way through the seemingly vapid camp counselors, it is the one responsible gal who finally is able to do her in. Is her death the harbinger for Jason’s return? Was Jason’s mother a hockey fan and the mask he dons an homage to her?

With multiple sequels, a cross-over film (Freddy vs. Jason), a remake and its sequel on the way, Jason Voorhees will be around movie theaters for as long as Leatherface, Michael Myers, and now Freddy Krueger will be.

This is a classic horror film that has been imitated more than once (Sleepaway Camp, anyone?). But despite this, Friday the 13th remains one of the iconic horror films of the 80s, and a staple for any horror movie fan.